Senior Estimator – Electric Utility Substation Construction projects

Senior Estimator – Electric Utility Substation Construction projects

Base pay range: $/yr - $/yr

Location:

Houston, TX
Job Type: Permanent / Full-Time

Our client is seeking a Senior Estimator – Self‑Perform Substation to support their growing Transmission and Distribution team. The Senior Estimator will be responsible for developing bottoms up self‑perform estimates for substation construction bids, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and minimal company risk.

This position requires a detail‑oriented professional with strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of high‑voltage transmission and distribution systems, and proven experience leading estimating teams through complex bid processes.

• Develop comprehensive, bottoms up estimates for transmission and distribution bids, with a primary focus on substation projects.
• Focus primarily on high‑voltage scopes, including substation equipment, systems, and interconnections.
• Create and manage estimate schedules to meet proposal deadlines.
• Review RFP and engineering documentation for completeness and constructability.
• Prepare detailed quantity take‑offs, cost analyses, and documentation of estimate assumptions.
• Develop and maintain high‑level project schedules using tools such as Excel.
• Prepare and maintain risk registers; assist in risk reviews and mitigation planning.
• Evaluate commercial terms and conditions to identify and address project risks.
• Ensure compliance with estimating methodologies and company standards to maintain consistent quality.
• Lead project team reviews for quantities, scopes, and estimate accuracy.
• Solicit, evaluate, and incorporate vendor and subcontractor quotes into final estimates.
• Review subcontractor bid packages for completeness and consistency.
• Estimate general conditions and indirect costs in coordination with project management.
• Prepare and present final estimate reviews and recommendations to management.
• Evaluate and recommend contingency and escalation factors based on project complexity and market conditions.
• Participate in value engineering and alternative solution development.
• Train, mentor, and guide estimating staff while maintaining updated cost databases and historical benchmarks.

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required. Equivalent experience may be considered instead of a degree.
• 7+ years of direct project estimating experience.
• Strong background in self‑perform substation estimating (minimum 4 years preferred).
• 8+ years of experience estimating within Transmission & Distribution EPC or construction contracting environments preferred.
• Proven expertise in developing and presenting detailed cost estimates for substation and high‑voltage construction projects.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Con Est, and K‑base.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate complex concepts.
• OSHA 10‑hour certification required.
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively, think creatively, and make sound, data‑driven decisions.

Leaders in Technical Recruiting & Staffing since 1965

ESPO Corporation connects skilled professionals with leading organizations across the engineering, design, and construction industries. We take pride in providing opportunities that match each candidate’s strengths with our clients’ most critical project needs.

ESPO Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
We value diversity and the unique perspectives each individual brings to our team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.